1. PM Modi Launches Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
Tags: National News
PM Narendra Modi launched Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand on 2nd October 2024, Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
An Overview of the News
Budget: Rs. 79,156 crore (Central Share: Rs. 56,333 crore, State Share: Rs. 22,823 crore).
Coverage: 63,843 villages, benefiting over 5 crore tribal people in 549 districts, across 30 States/UTs.
Focus: Social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood with 25 interventions implemented by 17 ministries.
Eklavya Schools Expansion
PM inaugurated 40 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and laid the foundation for 25 more, worth Rs. 2,834 crore.
Goal: Set up 728 EMRS (440 under the 2018 scheme) with 3.5 lakh students by 2026.
Enhanced cost: Rs. 38 crore for plain areas, Rs. 48 crore for hilly areas.
More than 38,000 staff to be recruited, with 9,000 hired already.
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) Projects
PM inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth Rs. 1,365 crore under PM-JANMAN.
Infrastructure: 1,387 km of roads, 120 Anganwadis, 250 Multi-Purpose Centres, and 10 school hostels.
PM-JANMAN focuses on tribal development, particularly for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), with Rs. 24,104 crore outlay.
Progress and Impact
EMRS expansion: 170 schools completed between 2019-2024, 240 schools under construction.
Smart classrooms in 328 schools set up by the Ministry of Electronics & IT.
The goal is to fully operationalize 728 EMRS by March 2026, enhancing tribal education access and quality.
2. Taiwan Receives First Shipment of U.S.-Made Harpoon Missile Systems
Tags: International News
The first shipment of 100 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile systems has arrived in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
An Overview of the News
This delivery is part of a broader deal of 71.02 billion New Taiwan dollars ($2.22 billion) made in 2020.
Taiwan has allocated an additional 15 billion New Taiwan dollars ($469 million) for constructing related facilities.
The total investment in this missile system package now stands at 86.02 billion New Taiwan dollars ($2.69 billion).
Delivery and Integration Timeline
The U.S. approved the sale of 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles and four RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Exercise Missiles.
The package includes:
411 containers
100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System Launcher Transporter Units
25 radar trucks
Spare and repair parts
Logistics support, including personnel training and technical assistance
The first phase of deliveries is expected to be completed by 2026, coinciding with the establishment of Taiwan’s new Littoral Combat Command.
The second and final phase is anticipated by 2028.
Enhanced Defense Capabilities
Taiwan plans to integrate the Harpoon missile system with its indigenous Hsiung Feng series missiles to bolster its maritime defense against potential Chinese threats.
The country is actively renovating and building missile bases to support this initiative.
About the Harpoon Missile
Design and History: The Harpoon (RGM-84/UGM-84/AGM-84) is a U.S.-designed subsonic anti-ship cruise missile in service since 1977, utilized by over 30 countries, including India.
Features:
All-weather, over-the-horizon anti-ship missile system.
Length: 4.5 m; Weight: 526 kg.
Propulsion: Turbojet, solid propellant.
Capable of executing both land-strike and anti-ship missions.
Low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory with active radar guidance.
Equipped with a 221 kg penetration blast warhead.
GPS-aided inertial navigation for targeting.
Range: 90-240 km.
3. Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 Launched in Mumbai
Tags: Summits National News
The summit was inaugurated by Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush.
An Overview of the News
The theme for 2024 is "Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel."
They are organized by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of Maharashtra, and key partners.
Health Initiatives:
Ayush is addressing major health concerns like diabetes and liver diseases with evidence-based treatments.
Plans for free Ayush treatment for government employees and establishing affordable Ayush centers at block and tehsil levels.
The first Ayush Jan Aushadhi Center will be inaugurated on October 9, promoting traditional practices in healthcare.
Collaborative Efforts:
The Ministry of Ayush signed an MOU with the Ministry of Tourism to promote Ayush and medical value travel.
Collaboration with state tourism departments to enhance Ayurvedic wellness travel and promote significant archaeological sites.
Focus on Medical Value Travel:
The summit aims to position India as a global hub for holistic healthcare through Ayush systems, enhancing the country's Medical Value Travel (MVT) sector.
4. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches 'Cruise Bharat Mission'
Tags: National News
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ at the Mumbai port.
An Overview of the News
The event was attended by Union Minister of State, Shantanu Thakur, and other dignitaries.
The mission aims to establish India as a global hub for cruise tourism and It seeks to double the cruise passenger traffic by the year 2029.
Commitment to Blue Economy
Focus: The government emphasizes the potential of the Blue Economy in India.
Vision: The initiative aims to propel the country's cruise tourism industry and create unprecedented opportunities.
Collaborations and Partnerships
MOUs Signed: Several Memorandums of Understanding related to the tourism sector were signed during the event.
Key Attendees: Other notable attendees included Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, Secretary of Ports, Shipping and Waterways T.K. Ramachandran, and Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust, Rajiv Jalota.
5. Archaeologists Discover 8,200-Year-Old Kohl Stick in Turkey
Tags: Popular International News
Archaeologists uncovered the oldest known kohl stick, an early form of eyeliner, at the prehistoric site of Yeşilova Höyük in Turkey.
An Overview of the News
The kohl stick, dating back over 8,200 years, is made from green serpentine stone and shows traces of black paint at its tip.
Lead archaeologist Zafer Derin noted the historical significance of kohl, used across cultures, including Egypt, the Levant, and Anatolia.
Physical Details of the Kohl Stick
The kohl stick measures about 10 cm in length and 1 cm in thickness, resembling a modern pen.
Its finely crafted design indicates advanced skills in creating personal care tools during that era.
It was likely used by dipping it in kohl powder for application around the eyes, with the black substance likely containing manganese oxide for a dramatic look.
Kohl’s Medicinal and Cultural Uses
Beyond aesthetics, kohl held medicinal and cultural significance, protecting the eyes from sunlight and treating various eye ailments.
Historical texts associate kohl application with spiritual beliefs, including warding off evil spirits and enhancing vision.
Traditionally made by grinding stibnite into a fine powder, kohl continues to inspire beauty practices worldwide.
A Glimpse into Ancient Beauty Practices
The Kohl Stick discovery emphasizes the long-standing human interest in cosmetics, dating back to prehistoric times.
It illustrates that ancient people valued personal appearance and used cosmetics for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
The craftsmanship of the kohl stick reflects the sophistication of early civilizations, blending beauty with functionality, and showcasing the complexity of early human culture.
6. India Launches BharatGen: First Government-Supported Multimodal AI Initiative
Tags: Government Schemes National News
A government-supported multimodal large language model initiative aimed at advancing generative AI for public service delivery and citizen engagement.
An Overview of the News
It launched in the virtual presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, in New Delhi.
India's Leadership in Generative AI:
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted BharatGen as a milestone in India's technological leadership, comparing it to the success of UPI and other national innovations.
Focus on Indian Languages:
BharatGen is the world's first government-funded multimodal large language model project centered on Indian languages, addressing India's socio-cultural and linguistic diversity.
Key Institutions and Partners:
Spearheaded by IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Partners include academic institutes like IIT Bombay, IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Mandi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIM Indore, and IIT Madras.
The objective of BharatGen:
To develop generative AI systems capable of producing high-quality text and multimodal content in multiple Indian languages.
Focus on social equity, cultural preservation, and linguistic diversity to ensure inclusive AI for all.
Key Features of BharatGen:
Multilingual and multimodal foundation models.
Building and training models on Indian datasets.
Open-source platform for AI development.
Ecosystem development for generative AI research in India.
Project Timeline:
Completion expected by July 2026.
Key milestones include AI model development, experimentation, and the establishment of benchmarks tailored to India’s needs.
Plans for scaling AI adoption across industries and public initiatives.
7. India Participates in Euronaval 2024 Defence Exhibition in France
Tags: International News
India is among 104 countries invited to the Euronaval 2024 defense exhibition, the largest naval defense trade show in the world, scheduled for November 4-7 in Paris.
An Overview of the News
The exhibition will showcase innovative solutions aimed at enhancing naval forces and protecting maritime infrastructure against modern threats, including air and surface drones, and next-generation anti-ship missiles.
Focus Areas
The event emphasizes innovation, sovereignty, and international cooperation within the naval industry.
Key participants include shipbuilders, equipment manufacturers, institutions, and experts, providing a platform to explore the latest technological advancements that will shape future naval operations.
Strategic Discussions
Euronaval 2024 will address critical strategic and industrial challenges amid rising maritime security threats and technological competition.
Topics will include innovation, resilience, sustainability, and the need for agile maritime forces capable of adapting to various missions, from humanitarian aid to combat operations.
8. A new ghost shark species discovered in New Zealand
Tags: Science and Technology International News
New Zealand scientists discovered the Australian narrow-nosed spookfish (Harriotta avia) in the deep waters of the Chatham Rise.
An Overview of the News
Ghost sharks, also known as chimeras, are cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays.
They live in deep ocean waters, making them difficult to study.
The discovery is significant due to the rarity and limited knowledge about ghost sharks.
It aids conservation efforts and deepens the understanding of marine biodiversity.
Naming and Distinction:
The new species was named Harriotta avia in honor of Dr. Finucci's grandmother.
Genetic testing revealed that the species is unique to the waters around Australia and New Zealand.
9. Shigeru Ishiba: New leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
Tags: International News
Shigeru Ishiba won a close contest in an unusual LDP election with nine candidates.
An Overview of the News
He replaced Fumio Kishida, who resigned amid corruption scandals and economic challenges.
Ishiba represents reformist views, in contrast to the conservative Sanae Takaichi associated with former PM Shinzo Abe.
His support for progressive policies, such as female monarchs, has highlighted internal divisions in the LDP.
Public appeal:
Ishiba's openness to criticise his party and engage with the public has won him support.
His leadership may lead to early elections to consolidate his position ahead of general elections.
Shigeru Ishiba's background:
Born in 1959, Ishiba is a former defence minister and a supporter of military reforms.
Elected to Japan's House of Representatives in 2000, he is known for his expertise in the defense sector and is active on social media.
10. Harini Amarasuriya Becomes 16th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
Tags: Person in news International News
Harini Amarasuriya, leader of the National People's Power (NPP), was sworn in as the 16th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
An Overview of the News
She replaced Dinesh Gunawardene, who resigned following the recent Presidential election results.
The oath of office was administered by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
Harini Amarasuriya is the third woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in Sri Lanka, after Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Kumaratunga.
Background of Harini Amarasuriya
She is an academic and human rights activist, previously serving as a university lecturer in the Department of Social Studies at the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Her activism began in 2011 during the Rajapaksa government, where she participated in protests advocating for free education.
She campaigned for Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in the 2019 Presidential election.
In 2020, she became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the first time, representing the NPP, an alliance led by the JVP.
New Cabinet Appointments
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has formed a new caretaker cabinet with four members, including himself.
The other three cabinet members are NPP parliamentarians: Harini Amarasuriya, Vijitha Herath, and Laxman Nipunarachchi.
This cabinet will be a caretaker government until the next parliamentary election on 14th November 2024.
Facts About Sri Lanka
Legislative Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Executive and Judicial Capital: Colombo
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (SLR)
President: Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Prime Minister: Harini Amarasuriya
